PITTSBURGH, PA (June 1, 2016) — 1Hood Media’s CEO, Celeste Smith, and Creative Director and Founder Jasiri X will take part in a two-week residency at the School of Art Institute Chicago (SAIC) during the month of June.

Working with UK based producer, Agent of Change, Jasiri X’s next project, P.O.W.E.R. (People Oppressed Will Eventually Rise), is geared towards exploring oppression in various communities, cultures and definitions. Jasiri utilizes a multi-faceted as he incorporates pillars of Hip Hop culture throughout his unique approach. “Whereas Jasiri approaches the project from the lens of vocal journalist providing commentary via thought provoking rhyme and analyses, we are also in the process of documenting personal narratives surrounding oppression and media portrayal of oppressed members of society,” says Celeste Smith. The broader project, partially funded by Open Society Foundations, currently includes a short film entitled, #WarOnUs, documenting the struggle of oppressed communities in Colombia, and an album of the same title.

“While documenting Hip Hop around the world, we have found that the cultures pillars are in place, celebrated, and adapted to fit each community,” she says. Celeste approaches P.O.W.E.R. visually as a photojournalist and videographer, documenting their approach and crafting the narrative, visually, of the work they produce.

This residency will give Jasiri the opportunity to create specifically surrounding the topic of oppression, documenting perspectives within the Chicago community—specifically the North Lawndale community—surrounding oppression and its various facets and impact on communities of color. Celeste and Jasiri plan to moderate a community dialogue regarding the idea of P.O.W.E.R. and whether it is an eventuality.